Charlotte's Helix Blog

The Mail on Sunday has been talking to some of the movers and shakers associated with Charlotte’s Helix and AN25K, and Mail journalist @emilykentsmith has written an article quoting our scientific partners, some of our supporters, and our own dear Charlotte, via her book "Throwing Starfish …". But, before we link to that article, let us clarify the headline and state clearly that NOBODY is born WITH an eating disorder, what one may be "born with" is a genetic vulnerability, not an illness!

As well as creating vulnerabilities, genes may also provide some protections, and environment may work in similar fashion alongside, and for SOME people with the relevant genetic profile, an eating disorder MAY develop. The detail is what our scientific partners are out to explore: which genes are implicated, how do these genes interact with environment, and might timing be a critical factor? Now, with all that in mind, please do go read the article: it is about Charlotte, it is about science, it is about stigma, it is about the power of collaboration to create numbers that will generate knowledge and improve treatment, and it is available to read online here!*

Special thanks to Emily Bevan and Liana Mensh for the Helix designDr. Cynthia Bulik and her UNC team for the AN25K challengeBeat for start-up funds administrationF.E.A.S.T. for the initial pledges and US donation administration